Three best and worst performers in Everton’s draw with Crystal Palace

Add as preferred source on Google

Three best

Wilfried Zaha

Embed from Getty Images

Zaha was a constant thorn in the side of both Everton full backs as his pace and trickery caused problems for the Toffee’s backline. With six successful take-ons and two completed crosses, his impact out wide was clear as attack after attack came through the former Manchester United player dropping deep to pick up the ball before attacking the defence.

With six fouls committed on Zaha throughout the 90 minutes, it’s obvious that Everton were not quite sure how to handle Zaha, a trait rarely seen in the opening weeks of the season with Ronald Koeman drilling discipline and good preparation into his side. Whilst he may not have had many chances himself, he created plenty for others.

Yannick Bolasie

Embed from Getty Images

Up against his former side, Bolasie shone as the key attacking threat for the Blues. Like his former counterpart Zaha, Bolasie completed an impressive six dribbles, despite attempting only seven, compared to Zaha’s 12. Bolasie also created his side’s best chance of scoring after the scores drew level, cutting the ball back across the box only for the chance to go begging.

Bolasie also contributed defensively with four ball recoveries and three clearances to his name as he tracked back to help out as Palace piled on the pressure at times in the second half. The former non league winger was vital to the Blues’ counter attacking style with his pace and strength proving to be problematic for the superb Joel Ward.

Christian Benteke

Embed from Getty Images

The Belgian, on his return to Merseyside for the first time since joining Palace from Liverpool in the summer, produced a magnificent header to put his side back level after a superb cross from Joel Ward allowed him to beat Maarten Stekelenburg just five minutes after half time.

Benteke continued to hassle and dominate a strong Everton backline, despite the presence of two of the Premier League’s toughest defenders in Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka. Back at his best, reminiscent of his Aston Villa days, the 25-year-old did all he could to compete with his international team mate up the other end.